Rosies Rising: 'It's Our Time'

Since 1979 www.PointRichmondHistory.org Vol. XXXV No. 2 September/October, 2016 $3.00

Rosies Rising: ‘It’s Our Time’ Laura Paull’s description of the event on page 14 Now Available! DVD containing Point Richmond History Association Photo Archives (more than 1200 images) With background music by Dan Damon of the Point Richmond Methodist Church For sale in our museum (open Thursdays and Saturdays, 1:30 am to 2:00 pm)

$25, PRHA members $20 Point Richmond History Association

Contents of this Issue From the From the President 1 President Members 2 Editor’s Notes 3 By Mid Dornan A-Mid Trivia 4 Summer in the Bay Area was a great Church News 6 place to be as the temperatures, on average, were lower than inland and other parts of Westside Womens Improvement Club 10 the state which sizzled. Those who stayed Downtown Kiosk Report 12 around were treated to numerous Richmond Rosies Rising, ‘It’s Our Time’ 14 free activities in the triangle area, our dog parks, and summer camps at Miller Knox Karen’s Rosie Photo Album 16 park. Schools started in August for students Mid’s 95th Birthday Party 18 at Washington and parents as well as kids were ready to make this This Old House 20 happen. Remember, whether child or adult, Items of Interest 1912 23 our Point Richmond History Museum, Cards and Emails 24 although small in size has over 1200 photos of our historical past depicting the Birthdays 25 history making our community unique. Memorials 26

90’s Club 27 Below is the corner of West Richmond and Calendar/Directory 28 Washington. PRHA archive picture #0062 from the

Don Church Collection.

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 1 Point Richmond History Association Thank you members for your renewal: A warm welcome to new members: Altha Humphrey Jim Fisher Kathleen Barnes Ken & Nancy Comer-Reed* Barbara Ward Tony Lizarraga Ellen Schaefer Bobbie Lizarraga Joann Gatten Jim & Hilda Gozzi-Reed* Roger Glafke Barbara Greenhill & Bill *Gift Membership Schwimmer Family **Special Supporter, Thank Y ou! Sandy Hawkins Muriel C. Clausen Thank You! To Donna Wilson** Billie Shaw Marilyn Darling Santa Fe Market Eva Marchitiello For distributing Richard Giordano Family “THIS POINT…..in time” Howard & Jan Arnold Family Diane Diani Support our local retailers Don Amantite Jim Allgaier Ilamay Dein Visit our little museum and view our Linda M. Newton** Viola Kennedy 1000 picture slide show of historic Les Hathaway Point Richmond photos. Mary Highfill Family Alicia Kae Miller** Open Thursdays and Saturdays Grace Cerkanowicz Alyce Williamson Family 11:30 am-2:00 pm James Wilson Family Thanks to the Volunteers who open and Virginia W. Smith close our museum two days each week

Wendy Wirth Mid Dornan Kathe Kiehn** Pat Pearson Carol Kiehn* Heinz Lankford Alexis Lane Jensen* Gary Shows Ingrid Lindemann* Lori Kauth Karen & Art Gagnier Family* Caitlin Harvey Virginia Mooney Erin Frame & Steve Rice Family* Bonnie Jo Cullison Marianne Takeda & Frank Craig Jean Rose Family* Gary Massey Joann Bill-Cannon The Cover: A Sea of Rosies, picture by Laura Paull

2 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association

Editor’s Notes Thank You! Our Special Supporters! History Makers Gary Shows Donna Wilson [email protected] Doug & Rosemary Corbin I hope you had a nice summer, as usual Kathe Kiehn it flew by for me. Weather wise, it was an John A. Thiella & Rosa T. Casazza extremely pleasant one. Roberta & Richard Palfini Thank you to all of our contributors to Patricia Dornan this issue. It’s great to have Mid back at Les Crim 100% and I appreciate the work of Laura Norm and Jean Reynolds Paull with our feature Rosie article. Fernando & Becky Garcia As you saw on the inside front cover, we David Janes have a new DVD which contains our entire The Bartram-Owens Family photo collection. The disk contains over 1200 Burl Willes images, some are intentionally duplicated Garry & Maryn Hurlbut because they have been enhanced by Thomas Jeanne Pritchard Mercer-Hursh and the description in cropped Joe Pritchard out. Thank you to Dan Damon of the Point Bob Armstrong Richmond Methodist Church for allowing the Alicia Kae Miller use music from his “House of Gold” album for beautiful background music. There are History Preservers copies for sale at the museum for $25. Members are asked to pay $20. Royce Ong Thanks for supporting the PRHA, the Kevin, Reneé & Griffin Knee next issue will cover the holidays (yikes!). Sandi Genser-Maack & Lynn Maack The deadline for items to be published in Margaret Morkowski the Nov/Dec/Jan issue of TPIT is Friday, Maurice & Margaret Doherty October 28, 2016. Zoe Egger Linda Newton Pam Wilson H. Abigail Bok & David Gotlieb Caitlin Harvey Tom & Shirley Butt Mid Dornan The Dolberg Family Marcellina Smith Bernie McIntosh Heinz Lankford Don & Ingrid Lindemann Kathe Kiehn Roberta & Tim Montgomery Pat Pearson Mary Crosby & Tom Piazza Gary Shows Karen Buchanan Jerry Cerkanowicz Norma Wallace Patti, Stephanie & Stephen Kowalski Don & Carole Woodrow Ever stop to think and Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau Linda Andrew-Marshall forget to start again? Gloria & Mark Maltagliati Anne Brussok-Roth Ken Blonski & Louise Fender Paraprosdokians from Dave Erica & Barry Goode

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 3 Point Richmond History Association TPIT Exclusive A-Mid Trivia since 1984 Mid Dornan (510-234-5334) ([email protected]) QUESTION *** How much do Olympic Champions receive Terry is a Caterer and Crafter and some may in cash awards? remember her fine sewing and unusual crafts marketed under the ‘Gingham Goose’ which was Answer at end of Trivia. located where the Post Office is now. *** *** Proudly display your flag. When? Jackson Park in Chicago is the location  Labor Day, first Saturday in September, President Obama has chosen for his presidential 5th. library.  Constitution Day (Citizen Day), Sept *** 17th A joy in August was my 95 years marked  Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October, and celebrated by my loving and caring daughters, Patricia, Kathleen and Roberta as well as my 10th. family, grandchildren and friends, first at a family *** We honor and respect our teachers who spend cabin on the Russian River followed with a as many hours a day with your child/children as luncheon at the Point Methodist Church. ( Family arrived from Mississippi, Illinois, Southern you probably do. California, and Washington D.C.) The affection *** The average teacher spends $500 - $600 of from the Point Community has been her salary on school supplies. transparent . Thank You!. *** *** Happy Birthday to Point Richmond History What is so fragile that when you say its name, founder Donna Roselius now living in Port Orford, you break it? (answer below in trivia) Oregon. *** *** (From Point Counterpoint, March 1974) Why do supermarkets make the sick walk all Residents on Western Drive are all excited the way to the back of the store to get their about a windmill house going up on their street. It prescriptions while healthy people can buy is being built by a young architect from cigarettes at the front. “Interactive Resources”, a new architectural *** consulting firm located next to Stoddard Reality. Cold and sore throat? Try *** a marshmallow. The gelatin in these Campfire A good reason to eat chocolate is the confections coats and relieves Irritation and pain, fact Summer is over and you don’t have to worry say experts. Just don’t eat them too hot. about swim suits, shorts, and sleeveless blouses *** anymore. While Linda Andrews-Marshall recovers *** from her second knee surgery, her son Aaron has Enroute from Ohio to Yosemite, Carla and come from Colorado to assist her. His therapy her daughter Laura, Beckerley stopped to visit apparently is working as she will be returning to with Shirley and Tom Butt taking time to revisit work soon. old friends at the Methodist Church. Carla smiled *** when the nursery rooms she had decorated when Long time Point resident and business owner, living in the Point were still intact. Beckerleys Terry Wynne, has moved to Florida to be near her were the original owners of Little Louies. daughter, Kylie and grandchildren. *** More than 70,000 animals fly out of J.F. 4 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association

Kennedy Airport each year. Set to open next National S’mores Day (Aug 10) and a National year is the $48 million ARK, a luxury terminal Marshmallow Day (Aug 30). for horses and cows who will occupy sleek, *** climate-controlled stalls with showers and One in ten people were not born in the U.S. doggies will lounge in hotel suites featuring flat- *** screen TVs. It will take in every kind of animal Ans: SILENCE imaginable. From here, they’ll head to barns, *** cages, race tracks, shows and competition in the Trivia Answer: Cash prizes U.S. and abroad. awarded to athletes are different from country to *** country and big countries like the U.S. only offer In May, a significant health issue, my $25,000 for Gold, $15,000 for Silver and $10,000 mobility, required several weeks in acute therapy for Bronze. Russia offers in U. S. Dollars, rehab. During the ensuing time, progress $180,000 for Gold, $90,000 for Silver and continues and learning to manage transportation a $45,000 for Bronze. UK gives no cash prizes and priority as driving is no longer an option. the Phillippines give $237,000 over 20 *** years. The value of the medals? Gold is worth If you have a soft spot for S’mores, be $600, Silver $325 and Bronze $3.00. heartened as in August S’more boasted a .

Answers: 1. Georgie Porgie. 2. The Black Sheep 3. Curds and Whey Do You Remember Your Nursery Rhymes? 4. At noon. 5. He was thrown down the stairs 1. Who kissed the girls and made them 6. A little boy. cry? 7. A silver nutmeg and a golden pear. 2. Who had three bags of wool? 8. Pussy Cat. 3. What was Little Miss Muffet eating? 9. Kitty Fisher 4. At what time does the 10 o’clock scholar 10. The Muffin Man. come now? 5. What happened to the old man who would not say his prayers 6. “I wrote a letter to my love, and on the way I dropped it.” Who picked it up? 7. What would the little nut tree bear? 8. Who frightened the little mouse under the queens’ chairs? 9. “Lucy Locket lost her pocket” Who found it? 10. Who lives in Drury Lane?

-Mid

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 5 Point Richmond History Association Church News such wonderful and attentive care of our finances, bulletins, diocesan requirements, etc. has left to reside in another area. We wish her the best and thank her for her personified perfection. The five window frames on the south side of the church have been painted and the arched ,white frames are now nicely visible. They are an attractive part of the church’s original gothic lines. The cost was a gift from a member of the community. We do not have a greeter at the entrance to the church, but the Eucharistic Ministers gather and have become the official greeters, which is a warm welcome to parishioners. Also take note of the six women who sit together each Sunday and extend a group hug to each other – it is a warm, fuzzy to watch them. By Dee Rosier Brenda McKinley is the contact for the 510-232-1387 Souper Kitchen which we continue to support. [email protected] Bible study is held in the parish hall every other Wednesday from 6:30-7:30. Everyone is Our summer hiatus is over, even though invited to attend. Contact: Anne Brussok – 510- summer forgot to arrive. We instead were 517-9905. engulfed by our Bay Area fog. Hopefully there Anne Brussok was one of the lucky people were those able to escape to warmer climates. invited to Elizabeth Hertzberg’s wedding in Italy The Parish Council is seeking ways to and contributes the following: involve more interested people in a broader range Our Lady of Mercy has been blessed to have of parish activities. We want to make sure that the Elizabeth Hertzberg singing at our church since interests you bring can find a good reception and she was a student at the San Francisco outlet. We recently welcomed Jeff and Sue Conservatory of Music. She grew up in San Mulvihill as members. Jeff expressed interest in Rafael, where her parents Adrienne and Richard working with Martin Lopez as the Council liaison Hertzberg still live. The Hertzbergs are part of our and project manager. parish community and enjoy attending Mass here Parish directories are still available. If you and, of course, especially when Elizabeth is did not receive one, please contact Anne Brussok. singing. Elizabeth is now an amazing opera After many years of hosting first Sunday of singer, a coloratura sopranist who has been the month coffee/donuts, Brenda McKinley and studying at La Scala and residing in Milan. About Dee Rosier will now be guests and Martin Lopez five years ago, Elizabeth met her Italian “prince”, will fill their shoes. Edoardo Canetta Rossi Palermo. On June 25, Father’s Day came and went without the 2016, “Eli” and “Edo” were married in the usual fanfare rewarded Mother’s Day. beautiful little town of Orta San Giulio on Lago The annual 4th of July BBQ was held and d’Orta, one of the stunning northern Italian Alpine later in the month a dinner to honor Father on his lakes. Lake Como is another slightly more famous 83rd birthday. one. A traditional Catholic wedding Mass took Beth Lewin, parish secretary who has taken place at the church of the Santa Maria Assunta and

6 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association Edo’s family home – Casa Canetta, which was right As mentioned before, once a member of Our on the lake and site of the reception. Both within Lady of Mercy, it is difficult not to return. Michael easy walking distance from each other in the heart Schulz and his sister recently visited us. If you of town. A number of Elizabeth’s friends and recall, Michael always arrived early and was our family traveled to Italy for the fairy tale wedding greeter as he sat on the top stair of the church and ended up with a memorable trip/vacation of a entrance. Michael now resides in Vacaville. lifetime. The young couple honeymooned in Japan Get well wishes go to Gabi Bay who was and then came here at the end of July to enjoy riding her motor bike and hit by a car. She Yosemite and spend time with their many friends sustained a concussion as well as lots of scrapes and and family in the Bay Area. Home for now is bruises. Milan, although next year will find Eli and Edo There is nothing prouder than a grandparent working and living in New York City. showing off her grandchildren. Cynthia Young Father has taken the paint brush to the outdoor visited her daughter Christine in the Caribbean and furniture in the patio – what a difference a little brought home her youngest grandson, Gideon. paint will do to brighten up the area. Someone told Along with her other two grandsons, they presented him that he had the largest and possibly the only the gifts at Mass. The Mass was in honor of Bruce real flower garden in the center of Richmond. He Young. drove around to verify it and it is true. Tom and Nana Boone enjoyed a trip to New Dates and time for religious instruction for Orleans and Alabama. First Holy Communion and Confirmation have not It’s great to see Rita Dorsey back – she is yet been set. If interested, please contact: Margaret quite a traveler. Morkowski Get well wishes continue for Dean Smith, Jim For the past few Sundays, we have had a Cheshareck, Frankie and Dixie Mello and Michal uniformed EMT attend Sunday Mass. On entering Lambert. the church, Michael Lambert tripped and fell on the It was an honor to attend the 95th birthday last step into the church. The fall could be heard party for Mid Dornan. inside. Had an angel known that an EMT would be needed that Sunday to administer first aid to COMMON SENSE IS A FLOWER Michael. He was tended to and transported to a THAT DOES NOT GROW IN local hospital in Berkeley. He is recovering from EVERYONE’S GARDEN. the blow and we wish him a speedy recovery. By the way, the EMT actually lives in Red Bluff but SEE YOU IN CHURCH was assigned to this area. He indeed served his purpose

I find it ironic that the colors red, white and blue stand for freedom, until they’re flashing behind you.

Paraprosdokians from Dave

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 7 Point Richmond History Association teacher, as well as his significant contributions to The Hymn Society. This year, The Hymn Society met in Redlands, CA. While he collected laurels and drove back leisurely with Eileen Johnson, Lara Choe preached on July 17; Jean Reynolds preached on July 24. Lara shared the exciting story of her life, faith, and healing as a Buddhist and a Christian. Jean told how the inexorable push for full rights for LGBT persons in our denomination led to the election of Bishop Karen Oliveto, and contrasted that struggle with the history of how the United Methodist Church finally granted equal rights to women. In July, the United Methodist Women met at Mid Dornan’s home and assembled twelve health kits. Health kits contain simple items for personal hygiene and are sent as needed by United Methodist Committee on Relief to displaced people in areas hit by tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, or other calamity. The women held their Jean Reynolds annual planning retreat at Fran Smith’s home in 510-734-3942 Fairfield. Pastor Dan, Doreen Leighton, Yulia [email protected] Solovieva, Barbara Haley, Kristi Johnson, Fran Smith, and Debbie Benko laid plans for August’s On June 4, Dennis Johnson traveled to Ice Cream Social to help fund the new range in the Richmond from his Placerville home to perform a church kitchen and set their sights on other causes piano recital to benefit “Spirit in Action,” his for the next year. second fundraising concert with us. Dennis has a We have a new range in the church kitchen! Master of Musical Arts from Stanford; his We funded it in part with a Gateway Grant; some program featured works by Bach, Mozart, Chopin, of the cost came from the Ice Cream Social and Grainger, Abeniz, and Balakirev. We enjoyed the from private donors. Thanks to Jonathan Swett, classical music and appreciated knowing that lives Doreen Leighton, and Bill Thompson, the range will be changed by the business grants provided was made to our specifications and installed in by “Spirit in Action” from the money donated that July. No one will miss the ever-present whiff of day. gas that seemed to wreathe old range and we all We enjoyed a potluck dinner with itinerating look forward to delicious feasts and treats missionary Katherine Parker on June 5. Katherine prepared on the new one. shared her recent experiences with the people of In July, the Western Jurisdictional Nepal recovering from earthquake damage, and Conference met for its quadrennial business in the sanitation and health education projects she Scottsdale, AZ. Fran Smith attended a pre- implements there. We support her work through conference event to advocate election of an openly the General Board of Global Ministries; Katherine LGBT bishop and remained during the conference explained how she works in Nepal with a coalition to offer hospitality to the delegates. She witnessed of partners from various agencies since Nepal the election of Karen Oliveto, the first openly prefers to not have individual foreign religious queer United Methodist Bishop. Dr. Oliveto was denominations set up projects in their country. recently the senior pastor at San Francisco’s Glide In July, Pastor Dan Damon was honored as a UMC, and now will serve the Mountain Sky Fellow of The Hymn Society in the United States Episcopal area based in Denver. and Canada for his successful work as a hymn- In August, we celebrated Alice and Bill text writer, hymn-tune composer, editor, and Thompson’s Sunday school classes and all of the

8 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association lucky, lovingly taught children they shepherded the public school system, and shared ways we can over the years. Bill and Alice have retired as support public schools. Sheilani Alix, Lyle Ryan, Sunday school teachers, and continue to and Dan Damon performed two special musical contribute their gifts to our community as pieces. We celebrated Helen Wysham and her musicians, teachers, trustees and more. Stay tuned ninety-second birthday after worship with a for ways the church will continue to serve the luncheon, cupcakes, and balloons. children and youth in Richmond. Jill-Jeníce Shirah passed from this life on We all celebrated Mid Dornan and her August 17th gently cared for and loved in her last ninety-fifth birthday after worship on August 7. days by daughter Laila Tov Perez and her family. Mid’s three daughters: Kathy Barnes, Pat Dornan, George Peter Tingley played his composition and Roberta Palfini organized the party with help “Pastorale” for the offertory in memory of Jill- from her five grandchildren: Clay, Emily, Molly, Jeníce on August 28. As one of J.J.’s choir Rachel and Robert. Special friends and family buddies, I already have missed her razor-sharp who attended included Lorraine Pereira, Ben and insights and her true enthusiasm for music. JoAnn Bray, Pat Pearson, Gary Shows, Jerry Those who attended the Ice Cream Social Cerkanowicz, and a roomful of other revelers. “A Taste of Chocolate” on August 27 saw My favorite holiday week, our Vacation Friendship Hall and a bevy of servers all decked Bible School, was August 8-12. Seventeen out in red with white polka-dots. Paul Garnett and children came to make the most of “Peace In Tinna Manansala gave advice about the chocolate Every Step.” The children used their creative fountain, baked some of the chocolate treats, and talents, compassion, and rich imaginations to bemoaned having another commitment the actual identify the peacemakers in the Bible stories we day of the event. Pastor Dan Damon, Lyle Ryan, heard. We made mosaic garden stepping stones, a and James Campbell provided background jazz paper quilt, and used modeling clay to make music, drawing people from blocks away. Yulia stamps. Our expert adult team included Bill Solovieva sang a jazz piece in Russian from Thompson, who assured the week was safe and memory. Ice-cream sundaes, banana splits, fun for all; Rachel Herrin, who fostered brownies, German chocolate cake, and flowing opportunities to discover; Yulia Solovieva, who chocolate gooey goodness were in order all encouraged teamwork; Karen Bianchini, who afternoon. All proceeds helped to pay for the new invited children to share their stories; Bethany gas range in the church kitchen. Reynolds, whose songs and games made us all While the choir took a break over the laugh, move and concentrate; and Pastor Dan, summer, we enjoyed a variety of special music in who gifted our morning singing with guitar. Sarah worship. Pastor Dan, Gill Stanfield, Linda Butt, Kathy Cosby, Kerry Radcliffe, Linda Andrew-Marshall, Jennifer Metz-Foster, Sheilani Andrew Marshall, Jane Carnall, and Jennifer Alix, George Peter Tingley, “New Oak Pilgrims” Metz-Foster brought refreshments to share; Sara Glaser and Robert Raym, and Alice Nathan Trivers procured the corn for the corn- Thompson made sure we had moving music by shucking relay (and lunch!); Norm Reynolds, which to meditate. Nick Hayter, and David Reynolds prepared lunch on Friday, served, and cleaned up. On the Calendar: Members of Saffron Strand prepared our Candidates’ Night, Monday, September 12, lunch on August 14. As I enjoyed the hearty 7:30 pm, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, lunch they served, I wondered how I might be 3200 Barrett Ave., Richmond. Come and learn part of Saffron Strands efforts to support their about the candidates for the WCCUSD School members who face homelessness while the Board and Richmond City Council through a members learn to change their circumstances. moderated panel discussion with a Q & A period. On August 21, schoolteacher and public Voter registration drive and refreshments. school advocate Joanna Klaseen Pace preached. Presented by the West County Circuit of the She alerted us to the ways charter schools weaken (Continued on page 27)

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 9 Point Richmond History Association

WWIC Est. 1908 News from the Womens Westside Improvement Club by Norma Wallace and Linda Newton The WWIC had its first Bunco event at August: Mary Lee, Carol Mohalley, Alyce our May 3 meeting. It was held at the Community Williamson, Doris Mitchell, Martha Bielawski, Center while the Methodist Church was preparing Mid Dornan, Cathy O'Brien, Barbara Robertson, for its annual Junktique. Diane Diani, organizer Helen Wysham and Marion Kent. Whoo-hoo!! extraordinaire, brought this fun activity to the Of note, a round of applause (dare we say, Club. She even invited a guest, Carole Padlo to standing ovation?) was received by Karen assist her. Other guests were Diane's cousin, Buchanan in her role as Club Secretary, on Jackie Pickard, Mary Lee Cole's friend, Gretchen account of her providing "the best minutes" ever Blaise, Kathleen Wimer's neighbor, Sharon, and taken into the record by the WWIC. The Club is to round things off, three friend's of Marion Kent. grateful to Karen for her immediate and ongoing Fun was had by all. It was so successful that service, having been recruited to the post the day we're planning to make it our annual she joined! event. Please check the WWIC page Karen has made many friends throughout on PointRichmond.com for the date on the 2016- The Point, along with her "not Facebook" 2017 calendar. notebook, helping with TPIT mailing parties, and The Community Center was set up and now leading History Hikes for the PRHA. decorated by Diane Hirano and (Disclaimer: Karen and I are both San Francisco officers. Hostesses Cathy O'Brien, Gail natives and both attended Lowell.) The WWIC is Eierweiss and Margaret Jordan prepared, in this very very glad and proud to say, “We got her order, delicious desserts of homemade cookies, first!" cake, and mixed berry compote with whipped The election generated two changes in cream. Yum. Birthdays celebrated in May: Lynn officers. Marion Kent is coming off the board Clifford and Norma Wallace. after many years of service, and Cathy **** O'Brien will take on her 2nd Vice President role. Members of the Women's Westside This writer is coming off the board; Margaret Improvement Club came together June 7 to wrap Jordan will be penning the Club's TPIT up our Club year in style with our annual Hat contribution starting in September. Day. Members contributed a salad or dessert to The Club's first meeting of its new year the annual Salad Potluck, with much acclaim is Tuesday, September 13 when we will discuss for Margaret Jordan's cucumber salad. During the plans for the coming year, including speakers and meeting, members thanked hostesses Mary Lee, a new project. Marion Kent, Deborah Haley, Karen Buchanan The gardening group will be active over the and Altha Humphrey, with special thanks to Diane summer with three dates scheduled (6/18, 7/16 Hirano for handling the literal "heavy lifting" of and 8/13) and another after we "return to table setup, and her gracious and growing gift of school" (9/17). Pictures of some of our projects table decorating. may be found on the WWIC page on So much to celebrate this day including PointRichmond.com (thank yous to David birthdays, the end of another year/term and ... a Moore for his donating his talents to provide surprise visit by former member Lori Nova WWIC with an online presence!). Endres with her darling Sammy, both visiting Highlights of Hat Day for this writer from their new home in Shreveport, LA include: Cathy O'Brien's travel hat, Helen Reminder - The Nova Studio, while closed Wysham's story about her Keep Tahoe Blue physically, remains a wonderful online presence. cap, Carla Bowman's story about her snake hat Birthdays celebrated in June, July and and Karen Buchanan's KGB (I kid you not) hat. 10 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association Early Minutes of the Women’s Westside Improvement Club

It’s amazing what’s in the WWIC minutes! They date back to July 1908 when the Club started. The ladies met weekly. In the first six months they set projects in motion that we enjoy to this day: a statue a Washington and Park Place, a large drinking fountain, a park next to the Baptist Church, and the establishment of a reading room where the city hall had been in Mr. Crichett’s place. Even the names are historical. These minutes are a priceless treasure of Point Richmond’s history. -Linda Newton, President

Pt. Richmond, August 25, 1908 The committee consisting of Mrs. Curry, Mrs. Greathouse & Mrs. Peard, was appointed to The Woman’s West Side Improvement see the official of the Santa Fe R.R. Co. in regard Club of Richmond net at Curry’s Hall. to stopping the 8 o’clock train from S.F. at The meeting was called to order by the Richmond Ave. president Mrs. Nellie Adams. The Committee reported that there was a The roll call of officers resulted in all being State law prohibiting anyone from molesting present except Tres. Mrs. Lucas, Finance Com. other people’s gardens and it was decided that the Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Geo. Garrard & Mrs. Lang, Club cause a notice to be published in the local Executive Com. Mrs. Windrem, Mrs. Dimmick, paper that the Woman’s West Side Improvement Mrs. Neidicecker & Mrs. Arnold. Club intended to see that this law is enforced. The minutes of the previous meeting were Moved & carried that the Sec. notify the read and approved. City Marshall to see that the bad place in the The investigating com. on the applications walk at the cor. Of Richmond Ave. & Martina St. of Mrs. Thresa Brignove, Mrs. M.E. Lewellyn, be fixed. Mrs. J.B. Kerrnove, Mrs. Sadie Lillie, Mrs. A.L Mrs. Peard reported that there was a Pearson & Mrs. Frank Wood reported favorably. fountain in Martinez that would suite the purpose Moved and carried that we vote collectively of the Club for Rich. Mrs. Curry was instructed on the applications. to find out the price of said fountain. The ballot being favorable, the several Mrs. Curry reported that Mrs. Gibbs would ladies were declared elected member of the Club. like to give the Club nice lot of books. The name of Mrs. Joe Brooks was presented Moved & carried that the books be excepted to the Club for membership. with a note of thanks to Mrs. Gibbs. The refreshment com. for the Ball reported There was a discussion about the Club that they had cleared $9.40 on the sale of ice taking hold of and running the gymnasium in cream. Monty Church Hall. It was thought best to make Moved and carried that a standing vote of a more thorough investigation into the matter thanks be given the refreshment committee. before any action was taken. The Sec. reported that she had number of letters to write and was waiting for suitable Receipts - $13.65 stationery. Moved and carried that the officers select There being no further business to come stationery and have some printed. before the Club the meeting was adjourned to The matter of the fountain at the M.E. meet Sept. 1, 1908. Church corner was laid over for further investigation. Mrs. Geo. W. Topping, Sec.

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 11 Point Richmond History Association Downtown Kiosk Report By Bonnie Jo Cullison

The Point Richmond History Association Historic District it will need to be reviewed from along with the Point Richmond Neighborhood the standpoint of its compliance with the Council and the Point Richmond Business appropriate codes. Andrew Butt of Interactive Association is sponsoring the construction of an Resources is helping us shepherd the project informational kiosk. As you can see from the through those procedures. Lina Velasco in the drawing it will have 4 sides with an enclosed City’s Planning Dept. is assuring that we touch all bulletin board on each side. The kiosk will be the bases. The kiosk will be constructed by the located at the corner of W. Richmond Ave. and skilled craftsmen of Shigoto-ya. Washington St. on the same lot as the Fire Station While both the Neighborhood Council and and the Pt. Richmond History Museum. the Business Association are contributing Because this is a new structure it is required financially to the project, the majority of the funds to go through the City of Richmond’s process of are being provided by the PRHA treasury. In building permits and construction details review. return those two organizations will have the use of And because it will located in the Pt. Richmond one panel each for their own purposes. The PRHA will use the two remaining panels for the display of historical information including, maps, photos, articles and other information about Pt. Richmond’s past. The kiosk is not intended to be a public bulletin board. The purpose of the non-illuminated, enclosed bulletin boards is to provide a space to distribute announcements pertaining to current activities and news affecting the Pt. Richmond community as whole and, in the case of the 2 historical information panels, a means to have historical information about Pt. Richmond available even when the History Museum is closed. The project is currently wending its way through the approval processes and it is unclear how soon construction can begin but we have every hope that downtown Pt. Richmond will have an informational kiosk at the corner of W. Richmond and Washington by next summer.

12 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 13 Point Richmond History Association Rosies Rising: ‘It’s Our Time’ By Laura Paull

Laura Paull is a freelance writer, editor, Ypsilanti, Michigan and Richmond, California — and mosaic artist who moved to Point Richmond campaigns to preserve former manufacturing from San Francisco on Memorial Day, 2016. plants as museums and to raise awareness of You can see more of her work at women’s contributions in the workplace have www.laurapaull.com. Follow her on taken shape as rallies in which women show up Medium.com/@laurapaull. dressed as the iconic ‘Rosie the Riveter’ of wartime fame. Sure, women love to dress up. ‘Rosie the Riveter’ was the collective name, celebrated in posters, propaganda newsreels and But who knew over two thousand would even a song by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb, show up at an occasion asking them to wear blue of all those women — six million of them — who work shirts and red-and-white polka-dot went to work in factories to make ships, planes bandanas? and other home front manufacturing needs, taking In two American cities with World War II the place of the men who’d gone off to fight. As histories of hiring women for the war effort — the war effort ramped up, previously-excluded minorities of both genders were also hired at the plants, laying the groundwork for the civil rights and women’s movements of the following decades. The importance of women’s history to the former Kaiser shipyard, in Richmond, now the home of the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park, and the former Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti, which is fundraising for a conversion to the Yankee Air Museum, seeded a friendly rivalry between the two largely blue collar towns. Ypsilanti started it. The Save The Bomber Plant campaign made a first attempt at a World Record for “Most Rosie the Riveters” at Willow Run in October of 2013, gathering 143 Rosies. That was not enough to meet the Guinness’ requirement of 250 participants. They surpassed that requirement on March 29, 2014, when they convened 776 women in Rosie costumes at the plant. On August of the following year, The Rockin’ Rosies of Richmond beat that record by gathering 1,081 Rosies. Ypsilanti quickly took the title back, in October 2015, with 2,091 Rosies. But on Saturday, August 13, 2016, 2265 women (and a few men) from all over the San Francisco Bay Area converged on the Richmond We can do it! Photo by Laura Paull waterfront to best that record by 149 participants.

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We’ve got it now! toward the entry, where they’d be given a There had been ‘something in the air’ in the numbered wristband. Their outfits would be weeks before this now-historic date that suggested legitimized for the Guinness Record, and then it the turnout was going to be large. In Point was just a mad, picture-taking, free-for-all in the Richmond, where I live, every local business gigantic hall against a backdrop of music and pushed stacks of Rosie event postcards. It was a speeches about standing on the shoulders of constant in swimming pool locker room talk. giants. Carpool rides were offered via local online Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, in a blue forums. So I acquired red socks and a bandana, jumpsuit and the requisite headgear, saluted the pulled out my baggiest blue jeans and an old blue hardworking women of Richmond, including the shirt, and biked down there in the freshness of the handful present who were actual ‘Rosies’ during morning. A young woman walking her dog yelled the war. (Several of the seats reserved for the out “Go get our record, girl!” noting the bandana original Rosies were — painfully — vacant.) Sue poking out of my helmet. Fritzke, Deputy Superintendent of the East Bay It was like the good old days of mass National Park System, noted that “Many of us demonstrations and unforgettable rock concerts. would not be doing whatever we’re doing today Or maybe the start of the shift at a really huge without you, the pioneer Rosies, as role models.” factory. From every direction, people streamed Everyone cheered and stood for the national towards Craneway Pavilion at the end of the pier, anthem. It was uncomplicated. The spirit was with where the blue-green waters sparkled all the way them. to San Francisco. So maybe women really do just like to dress Young women and middle aged; elders with up (and take pictures); everybody in this crowd canes and walkers; multi-generational family looked fabulous in the uniform, regardless of age clusters with Rosie babies; Richmond Police or shape. Officer Rosies; women of every race and culture; Or maybe it was the zeitgeist of a nation that and yes, some men too — all wearing some version may soon elect its first woman president, a nation of the 1940s working woman’s uniform — strode where decades of struggle for equality have branded nearly every woman alive. “It’s our time,” one woman responded to my question about the importance of Hillary Clinton. Maybe it was also because of the recent home robbery and assault perpetrated on Betty Reid Soskin, a docent of Rosie history at the WWII Home Front Historical Park and, at 94, the oldest active park ranger in the National Park Service. She fought back, refused to be a victim, and survived; the outpouring of support has been significant and heartfelt. But personally, I believe it was because we’ve arrived at a time when we value ourselves and one another. It was the realization that it is really women who help and support other women, who are there for one another in the most trying times. It’s taken decades for this truth to peek through the enshrouding clouds of patriarchal deception and dissuasion. We are, finally, one another’s friends. Not rivals. Allies. There is room for us all at the table. Dressing like Rosie, Yours truly; in uniform. Photo by Laura Paull in a sea of other Rosies, felt like a symbol of that.

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 15 Point Richmond History Association Rosie Pictures From Karen Buchanan

Karen’s sea or Rosies (above) Karen with a real Rosie, Kay Morrison (right) Karen in the iconic Rosie pose (below)

16 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association

Looks like everyone had a great time.

94 year old park ranger Betty Sorkin was there participating in the Rosie Celebration (below)

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 17 Point Richmond History Association Mid’s 95th Birthday Party

Everybody had a great time at President Mildred Dornan’s Birthday Celebration. Mid’s 95 year party was held on August 6th the day before the actual birthday. Her daughters held the event at the Point Richmond Methodist Church on Martina Street. Lot’s of good food and good times. Happy Birthday Mid!

Birthday Girl! Birthday Girl Cutting the Birthday Cake

18 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association

And speaking of Rosies, on most Fridays, at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Homefront National Historic Park Visitor Center, you can visit with real Home Front workers from WWII. Please call the Visitor Education Center for schedule.

Mailing Address: 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000 Richmond, CA 94804

Phone: (510) 232-5050 Main phone line for Visitor Education Center and Directory.

No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery. Paraprosdokians from Dave

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 19 Point Richmond History Association TPIT Reprint Beginning in the summer of 1992 Muriel C. Clausen wrote an excellent series of articles about the old houses in Point Richmond. In the last twenty-two years we have many new owners of old houses that we treasure here in Point Richmond. For that reason we thought it would be appropriate to reprint her report. Thank you Muriel!

This Old House By Muriel C. Clausen

As you read this, keep in mind that it was tinted stucco exterior walled Craftsman houses originally written in 1992. gradually evolved into what became known as 'the California bungalow'. Then, as in Chicago Chapter Five previously, local architects evaluated the The California Bungalow: Point Richmond popularity of these small structures and carried the design concepts further for the more affluent. Final Installment Famous for this were the Greene Brothers who Across the country the Craftsman houses vastly influenced the Pasadena area with very grand 'Craftsman houses', carrying out the tenants were interpreted in many vernacular ways by of honest work, good craftsmanship, use of local speculative builders with emphasis on directness and simplicity for economy's sake. There is no materials, open floor plan, lack of pretension, single Craftsman style due to the variation of honesty and good workmanship. Their houses had rambling, spread out floor plans and no longer materials used in different locals which gives were homes for the simple working man. They regional distinction. Speculative builders started adding exterior touches to give the house a 'style'. were no longer either Craftsman houses or There could be the look of the English cottage, the bungalows. Their designs went further to include Japanesque touches, adding delicacy and lightness Swiss chalet, the Bavarian Hunting Lodge, the to the total design. Meanwhile, in Northern Southern California adobe, the East Coast shingle style, the Japanese teahouse, etc. The vernacular California, after the 1849 gold rush and its casual, Craftsman style continued until the early 1920's all undecorated, self accepting architecture, in 1890 to 1920, the same population explosion as across the United States as thousands of such Southern California had experienced resulted in houses were built; all being symbolic statements of a simple life. However, earlier in Southern the same demand for simple housing in the California a major movement toward the adobe Northern part of the state. This demand rapidly picked up the Southern California bangala interpretation and a more simplified interior layout building momentum resulting in the Northern corresponding much to California's early simple houses took place. Southern California used California interpretation of the California exterior concrete or stucco walls over masonry, bungalow; skipping rapidly over the Craftsman house phase. This bungalow style appeared in brick, wood or, later, metal mesh. By 1910 sturdy,

20 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association

Point Richmond in the early 1900's.The Northern added later on. These were also built by the part of the state interpreted the bungalow with wealthy in England as summer homes. In 1880 in wood exteriors instead of stucco or concrete. the United States these were built by the wealthy Wood was carried into the interiors to include not on Cape Cod as beach retreats, using 'bungalow' only walls but beamed ceilings as well. And so, as the descriptive name. This descriptive term due to local materials, the Northern California was picked up later by the Craftsman Magazine bungalow was finished differently from the in describing the particular kind of Craftsman Southern California version yet with the same house that had the Southern California floor plan. concepts, shape and design. The Craftsman style Thus the bungalows were built in great house slowly evolved elsewhere also and was numbers across this country, from the original replaced across the country with vernacular or Craftsman's house concept which was concerned local bungalow styles. with honest craftsmanship and structural The word 'bungalow' has its roots in 17th integrity. It was Gustav Stickley who gained his century England. England had colonials residing inspiration from William Morris and the Arts and in India where they were housed in the native Crafts movement in England who promoted these bangala. These bangala were long, low, concepts in America. By 1920 the bungalow had horizontal, one storey structures each of which been refined out of the Craftsman house to had a single big open room which was become the preferred building model. In its full surrounded by a wide verandah and deep maturity, by 1923, it became the building symbol overhanging roof eaves, giving protection from of California and elsewhere across the country. It the tropic heat. For the British living in this type is a building style that is easily identified and of structure represented an easier, simpler life duplicated. than at home in England. In about 1820, in The now famous bungalow, built so England and in America, this name, was prolifically in the 1920's, is a modest, useful, transposed from bangala to bungalow, and the simple structure. It is built economically for name bungalow was given to utilitarian rural comfort and utility resulting in a small house that houses to signify the simple life. These houses is charming and picturesque. It is one storey, had an open interior plan, overhanging eaves that rectilinear with no bays, and with a low pitched were horizontal and set low with access into the roof. The roof often has a front facing gable at garden. Added to the bangala style open center the entry against a turned gable if the house is living room the English incorporated bedrooms broader than it is long. Or, when it retains its at one side of the structure with a bathroom square shape from the interior layout the roof may be a single front facing gable. There is a broad exterior porch held up at the front entry by signature, low, stout, broadly scaled, tapered columns. Its entry is street oriented and its interior is garden oriented. Southern California models are coated on the exterior with plaster with a textured sand finish; colored in dull greyed earth tones or pastels and with the walls plastered inside as well. Northern California models are shingle or redwood finished on the exterior and with redwood interiors. Bungalows have the same functional necessities in their interiors as California Bungalow (Continued on page 22)

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 21 Point Richmond History Association Craftsman interiors except that the houses are a in the living room, is of large rocks without any little bigger and less compact. As such the dominant mantle. It is clearly an open, bungalow became somewhat more expensive to comfortable, functional house that was built easily build than the Craftsman house. There is no clutter and quickly in great numbers to serve a very large inside and no collectibles are exposed except part of the population. rough pottery, bronze, brass or copper and crafted From 1902 to 1907 many bungalows were wood objects. The furniture is sparse and of the built in Point Richmond. They are homey and Mission style. The entry is directly into the living familiar to us today; so much so that we seldom room, a large room made to look larger by an purposefully analyze them as being the 'famous arched opening into the adjacent dining room. Off California bungalow'. About 25% of the early of the dining room is a tiny but highly efficient Point Richmond homes built were California kitchen having 'factory like' characteristics with all bungalows, making them a very important part of electric appliances and an electric stove. The our descriptive history. Their source was the East kitchen is not large enough for family gatherings coast inspired Craftsman house. The California as former kitchens had been but it has a breakfast bungalow exemplifies the Craftsman philosophy nook with built-in table and benches to in a very distinctive small house design style, of accommodate a few. A screened back porch is which Point Richmond owns its share in numbers. often added for utilities. A hall to the side of the To refer to "This Point in Time": a bungalow in living room leads to two bedrooms with a single the 100 block of Cottage has a stylized English bathroom between. (Later a few added a narrow look to it. West Richmond Avenue has a few pure stairway leading to a small sleeping area in the bungalow designs. On Nicholl Avenue there is attic. These latter lost the low bungalow profile.) one with the Southern California Mission look to Off of the other side of the living room a small it. #31 Nicholl is a larger scale bungalow style and screened sleeping porch is added, and later # 11 Montana is a fairly typical Northern windowed in. As noted, in Southern California, California bungalow with other bungalows on that the interior walls were plastered. In Northern street. There are bungalows scattered throughout California the interior walls were wood paneled to Point Richmond, some of which have been the chair or plate rail with burlap in earth tone slightly modified. The most predominant colors above the chair rail. Stencil patterns were modification, when there is land available, is to painted above the plate rail. The fireplace, located add a free standing or pergola attached garage. However, these houses were built before the requirement for parking space was made so many have carved out areas in their front landscape into which a car can be tucked. These bungalows of Point Richmond are a charming addition to the collection of varied styles that were built in the early 1900's. Here in the era that followed not many have been changed because they serve the needs of the occupant very well. Kitchens and/ or bathrooms may be remodeled with no change necessary to the exterior. They are the easiest of all of early Point Richmond's history of houses to maintain in their original design form; and they are an accepted, popular design concept throughout California, making change less desired.

Bungalow style, circa 1905—1925 This concludes chapter 5

22 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association

This is from a “fact diary”, a book of headlines and interesting events in Early Point Richmond. It was compiled by Don Church from the “Richmond Independent” , “Point Richmond News”, “The Leader” and “Richmond Herald Record”. It is one of many historical items left for us by Allan Smith. Items of Interest Point Richmond, 1902 The Record and The Leader Point Richmond was called Eastyard

THE RECORD 03-16-1902 J.C. Coleman tract of 40 acres from foot of Wash Ave to Tunnel sold to W.C. Spencer, B.E. Loomis will be the agent. 03-17-1902 The Record—Bayview addition opened. (new 40 acres) Oakland wants the Santa Fe Ry. Adds: J.S. Moyle and R.J. Curry Road Works; Richmond Electric and Power Co., H.H. Kinney, McMahon and Linsey Transfer: 2nd Hand Store. O.H. Oxedine, J.R. Nystrom; Leland Higgins, blacksmith: R.H. Botts aerial. Stairly and Stoddard the new bankers will move safe over this weekend (Frank Pursel moved it). Harley Block; name wanted on front of new bldg. on Rich Ave. Telephone has 65 phones. Mr. and Mrs. S. Lehman are running the Castle Garden Hotel located near the Santa Fe Yds. 04-16-1902 Add; Church and Pursell, transfer; Carpet Layer, Thos. Gorman. Bank of Richmond to open on Monday 4-21-02 05-06-1902 Oakland Transit will construct line to Richmond this summer. Richmond Chamber of Commerce in full swing. 150 SOE’s get pay lined up at Bank of Richmond tellers window. Paid in gold and silver for 1st time, checks before. Of the original 180 lots in the Nicholl Tract lying west of the R.R. Tracks and including the tier lots west of Rich. Ave; 121 have been sold. THE LEADER 05-17-1902 New Powder Works for Richmond Area (70 acres between Richmond and Pinole) Giant. 07-17-1902 Lucetta Wood is postmistress at Point Richmond 1st jail to be built across street from Hunters Home. Notice: Humbolt Lbr. Co. has sold out to Richmond Lbr. Co., J.R. Neylan mgr.

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 23 Point Richmond History Association Cards, Letters & E-Mails Hello from Oregon! Pam, We think of you often and miss our Pt. Richmond Please say “hi” for me to Floria & Gloria and lots and the wonderful memories we have of living of hugs for Mid. there always resonate. Thanks Hugs to everyone! Sandy Hawkins Ellen & Dennis Benecia, CA Eugene, OR

Thanks Ellen, we miss you guys too, I walk by your old house every now and then and think of you, Gary

The KFC Original Recipe has been found! A reporter from the Chicago Tribune claims to have found the recipe in a scrapbook in the home of a nephew of Colonel Sand- ers. The staff at the newspaper put it to the test and said it’s defi- nitely the recipe! Has anybody tried it?

According to the Tribune, the recipe calls.. 2 cups of flour 2/3 tablespoons of salt 1/2 tablespoon of thyme 1/2 tablespoon of basil 1/3 tablespoon of oregano 1 tablespoon of celery salt 1 tablespoon of black pepper 1 tablespoon of dried mustard 4 tablespoons of paprika 2 tablespoons of garlic salt 1 tablespoon of ground ginger 3 tablespoons of white pepper.

24 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association Birthdays September Frank Lazaro Jan Burdick Jerry Cerkanowicz Sonja Gandola Donna Roselius Greg Brougham Kenneth Dolan John Bailo Pam Dutrow Horn Frank Christopher Theresa Daniel Alice Jordan Joan Gatten Linda Newton Jan Feagley Michael Heckmann Carol Kiehn Roberta Wilson Lorin Buhler Elisa Delatorre Marie Peckham Bonnie Jo Cullison Isobel Shaw Jackie Lizarraga Ivar Elle Ingvar Elle Audrey Lee Rentfro Craig Healy Daniel Butt Simeon J. Burtner Stephen Kowalski Ken Comer-Reed Don Diani Gayle Kaufman Stephenie Kowalski Bobbie Swerdseger- Emileigh Barnes John Hadreas Gene Smith Lizarraga Timothy Doherty David Reynolds Diane Frosini Diani David Vincent John T. Knox Margaret Morkowski

October

Terry Wynne Tim Montgomery Chad Feagley Toni Cannizzaro Ingrid Lindemann Brian Tedrick Isabel ‘Boo’ Shaw Frank Craig Kate Lord Dean Smith Jerry Daniel Leo Matteucci Florence Wilson Marc Bisio Grace Cerkanowicz Carolyn Dutrow Maria Shaw Chris Ward Otto Barni Jody Bagley Helen Frosini Maria Inchauspe Smith Jeff Ward Tony Peter Bernabic Abigal Munoz Rivera

You share your birthday with about 9 million other people in the world! Mid

ODE TO POLITE VISITORS

Our neighborhood has many dogs, that roam before the dawn. And everyone investigates, my bushes and my lawn. These visitors I rarely see that come within my yard. BUT….they follow canine etiquette and always leave a calling card!

-Mid

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 25 Point Richmond History Association

Memorials….. Kenneth Ray Trowbridge passed away at his home, age 55. A long time member of the Raza Unida Car Club (East Bay), he will be remembered for his love of cars, cats and oldies music. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer, brothers Mike and John Trowbridge, aunt Janice Perez and numerous nieces and nephews, Services were held at Sunset View Cemetery on Friday, July 8, 2016.

I am sad to inform you that my mother, Charlotte Birsinger, passed away on June 9, 2016.

My mother was 99 years old.

My mother and her family lived on Oregon Avenue in Pt. Richmond in the early 1920’s. My mother’s father worked in the electrical shop for Standard Oil. Mer mother was a homemaker.

My mother would tell us stories of her early years in Pt. Richmond. About how she and her sisters would play with other children on their street, the Smith family. How they would play in the water at what she called “Cozy Cove”. How she attended Washington School, and Our Lady of Mercy Church. How she and other children marched in a parade in support of the city building “The Plunge” swimming pool.

My mother’s family moved to San Francisco in 1925, but she kept a fondness for Pt. Richmond.

On occasion, she would take my sister and I to lunch at the Hotel Mac, and then we would drive around and she would show us places she remembered from her childhood.

My mother looked forward to receiving This Point. Even when she was bedridden and it was hard for her to read she always read your newsletter. She would be sure to have me renew her subscription each year.

My mother’s funeral was held on June 17. When I got home from the funeral, I found This Point in her mail. It was a poignant moment for me, because I knew how much Pt. Richmond meant to her.

Thank you for publishing your wonderful newsletter. I would guess it brings many people joy.

My mother Charlotte Birsinger was born Nov. 20, 1916 and died June 9, 2016. Sadly, please end her subscription. Please accept this donation of $50 from my family in my mother’s memory. Sincerely, Bonnie Casassa San Rafael, CA

26 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association Exclusive over 90 club Jim Wilson 91 Mid Dornan 95 Mary Bianci Highfill - 92 John Knox - 92 Delphina Franco Tawney 98 Helen Wysham Billie Bonham Shaw 94 Grace Cerkanowicz - 94 Muriel Clausen 92 Loretta Johromi 91 (month?) Tom Kenny - 92 1924 Dalles Wilcox 90 (month? June Beesley Sosabal 93 Martha Bielawski 94 Please send corrections and additions Madeline Bellando Albright 99 To [email protected] or call Alice Williamson - 92 - 510.234-5334 and leave a message.

CENTURY CLUB Lupe Padilla Lopez - 101 Shoney Gustafson - 100 Viola Lola Kennedy - 98 Eunice Ruth Hursh - 100 Mark Gebhart - 100 (can anyone verify if these above are correct? If not, name will be deleted.)

(Continued from page 9) Methodist Church News

United Methodist Church: Richmond First, St. Luke's, Easter Hill, El Sobrante, Pinole and Open Door. Annual Jean Eakle Art Auction and Gala, Saturday, September 24, 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 West Cutting Blvd. Donate items for the sale now and attend the event to get in on the fun. Art, crafts, jewelry, pottery, photography, yarn craft, gift certificates, or cash are all welcome. Contact Diane Frary [email protected] or Debbie Benko [email protected] Donations are accepted any Sunday morning before or after the 11:00 am worship.

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 27 Point Richmond History Association calendar/Directory ARTS OF POINT RICHMOND Art is for everyone, the artist, the viewer, the Point is art. Meets at 139 Washington Avenue. Contact: Irene Hightower, [email protected] More info: http://www.artsofpointrichmond.com/index.html

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE READING ROOM 114 Washington Avenue, Point Richmond, 510-223-0487

GOLDEN STATE MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM AND EAST BAY MODEL ENGINEERS SOCIETY 900 Dornan Drive, Miller/Knox Regional Park. Sunday 12:00 to 5:00. Special openings on Saturdays and Holidays. 510- 234-4884 for details.

MANY HANDS PROJECT TO SUPPORT WASHINGTON SCHOOL Contact, Margaret Morkowski, 510-234-4219

MASQUERS PLAYHOUSE The 2016 season has been cancelled. Masquers will return to full production in 2017

PARENTS, RESOURCES AND MORE (PRAM) A volunteer, nonprofit organization serving families with children 5 or under. Playgroups, social events, educational opportunities, Information go to http://www.PRAM.net or call 510-215-1734.

PARENT, TEACHER ASSOCIATION Joanna Mina, Contact, 510-235-0157

POINT RICHMOND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Contact: Andrew Butt, 510-236-7445

POINT RICHMOND COMMUNITY CENTER Info: 620-6905

POINT RICHMOND HISTORY ASSOCIATION Museum is at 139½ Washington Avenue, and open Thursday’s 11:30 to 2:00 and Saturday 11:30 to 2:00. See the editors notes on page 3 for next issue deadline. For information call President Mildred Dornan at 510-234-5334.

POINT RICHMOND NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL Meets last Wednesday of each month, Point Richmond Community Center; 7:30 P.M. Contact: Margaret Jordon at 510-412-3673

POINT RICHMOND/WEST SIDE BRANCH LIBRARY Information call 510-620-6567

RED OAK VICTORY SHIP Open Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 3 pm. $10 Donation/Boarding fee. Pancake Breakfasts one Sunday a month, April - June, August - October, $9/adults, $5/kids under 8 years,. For more information call the ship at 510-237-2933 or the Richmond Museum of History at 510-235-7387 or visit www.richmondmuseum.org RICHMOND MUSEUM OF HISTORY 400 Nevin Avenue, Richmond. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. For more information call 510-235-7387 RICHMOND SWIMS The Children and teens “Sail Fish” and Masters swim teams at the Richmond Plunge. Contact: Coach John Schonder, 510- 504-0330 - September 25, 2011 open water bay swim raises money for coaching, equipment, pool fees and swimming scholarships for inner-city youth throughout Richmond. More info at http://www.richmondswims.org/ or call 415-892-0771

ROSIE THE RIVETER NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK VISITOR CENTER 1414 Harbour Way South, Oil House next to Ford Craneway. For more information call 510-232-5050 or visit www.nps.gov/rori. See page 22 for programs. GREAT movies all day

WASHINGTON SCHOOL Washington School at 565 Wine Street offers traditional and Spanish dual immersion curriculum, K - 6th grade. Contact principal Lisa Levi at 231-1417 for more information.

WOMEN’S WESTSIDE IMPROVEMENT CLUB (established 1908) Richmond’s longest standing women’s club. Contact: Linda Newton, President. (510) 235-0081

Corrections? Email Gary Shows, [email protected] 28 THIS POINT…..in time Vol. XXXV-2, September/October, 2016 Point Richmond History Association

I would like to join the P.R.H.A. Articles for each issue are due on or before the deadline printed in the calendar section. Name: Please mail articles and items of interest to: Gary Shows Address: 229 Golden Gate Avenue Point Richmond, CA 94801 or Phone: email: [email protected] “This Point...in time” is a publication of E Mail: the Point Richmond History Association, a Type of membership (check one): non-profit organization at: Single $20.00 139 ½ Washington Avenue Senior (65+) 15.00 Point Richmond, CA 94801 Family 25.00 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part History Preserver 50.00 of any article or image without written permission of Corporate Sponsor 75.00 the Point Richmond History Association is prohibited. History Maker 100.00 Membership in the Point Richmond History Board of Directors: Association includes a one year subscription to “THIS Mid Dornan, President POINT...in time” newsletter (five issues). Please make Pat Pearson, 1st Vice President your check payable to the Point Richmond History Heinz Lankford, 2nd Vice President Association and mail it to: Caitlin Harvey, Secretary Kathe Kiehn, Treasurer Pam Wilson Pam WIlson, Membership 521 Western Drive Gary Shows, Newsletter Editor Point Richmond, CA 94801 Bonnie Jo Cullison, Museum Manager/Staff If you would like to have birthdays noted in the Coordinator newsletter, please include names and months.

Main Contributors to this Issue: Contacts Gary Shows Editor/Uncredited Mid Dornan 510-234-5334 Photos [email protected] Mid Dornan Various Articles and Information Visit our website Don Church/Allan Smith Historic Photos Jerry Cerkanowicz Proof/Information PointRichmondHistory.org Pam Wilson Membership Info Join our Facebook Group Jean Reynolds Article https://www.facebook.com/groups/prhafan/ Dee Rosier Article Donna Roselius Line Drawings/article Richmond Museum of History 510-235-7387 Linda Newton Article Red Oak Victory Information 510-235-7387 Muriel C. Clausen Article Rosie the Riveter Park 510-232-5050 Norma Wallace Article Laura Paull Article and Photos Bonnie Jo Cullison Article The Point Richmond History Association is Karen Buchanan Photos registered with the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) organization. Contributions to the PRHA are deductible under section 170 of the code.

Vol. XXXV-2, September/October 2016 THIS POINT…..in time 29 Point Richmond History Association 139½ Washington Avenue Point Richmond, CA 94801

Dated Material Please Expedite